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150 Fun Family Activities, Crafts and Recipes for Summer in Canada

Canadian summers are short but beautiful—so make it one to remember. We have 150 fun ideas, yummy recipes and helpful tips to make this your best ever.

If you ask us, Canadian summers are the best. Think about it: When else can you enjoy a warm sunny day with loved ones and friends with a colourful cocktail in-hand, lots of fun activities and to cap it all off: dazzling fireworks on more than one occasion?!

It’s also a great excuse to whip up our country’s finest fare: barbecue, fresh produce and cult-favourite butter tarts.

This collection of 150 fun ideas is an homage to the country we call home and it’s 150th birthday-summer. No matter if you mark the summer quietly or plan a huge bash at some point, here’s to spending the day with loved ones, and enjoying everything Canada has to offer.

<p><h1>Surprise Kids with a Fun Breakfast</h1></p><br />
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<p>Start the day right with an adorable waffle beaver for kids.</p><br />
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<p>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/cute-lunch-idea-the-great-canadian-beaver/">Great Canadian Beaver Breakfast</a></p>

<h1>Make Candleholders from Wax and Balloons</h1> <br />
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<p>Add some sparkle and shine with these DIY candle holders made from wax. They're so simple you'll make dozens.</p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/candleholders-made-of-wax-and-balloons/">Candleholders from Wax and Balloons</a></p>

<p><h1>Host a Backyard BBQ</h1></p><br />
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<p>Nothing says Canada Day like a long-weekend BBQ with family and friends.</p><br />
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<p>Get the recipes: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/the-best-recipes-for-your-canada-day-bbq/">10 Best Canada Day Recipes</a></p>

<p><h1>Hop Through the Sprinkler!</h1></p><br />
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<p>Sure, you could just run through the sprinkler, but we have five outdoor games to take summer play to the next level.</p><br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/5-games-to-play-with-a-sprinkler/">5 Games to Play with a Sprinkler</a></p><br><br />
<p>Photography by Alosh Bennett via Flickr.com</p>

<p><h1>Cool Off With a Frozen Treat</h1></p><br />
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<p>Juicy, fruity, slurpy, ice pops are summer must-haves! Some of these are boozy, some are creamy and some are healthy—but all are guaranteed to deliver a satisfying brain freeze.</p><br />
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<p>Get the recipes: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/10-tasty-homemade-ice-pop-recipes/">10 Tasty Homemade Ice Pops</a></p>

<p><h1>Play with Ice</h1></p><br />
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<p>On a hot day, playing with ice is a great way to engage the senses and help your kids cool down.</p><br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/summer-activities-8-amazing-ways-to-play-with-ice/">8 Ways to Play with Ice</a></p><br><br />
<p>Photography by <a href="http://rubsomedirtblog.com/2013/07/super-frozen-fun/"target="_blank">Rub Some Dirt on It</a></p>

<p><h1>Cook Over an Open Flame</h1></p><br />
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<p>A weekend of eating hot dogs and cereal is no treat! With these recipes you can eat well, even in the wild.</p><br />
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<p>Get the recipes: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/11-tasty-recipes-for-camping/">Tasty Recipes for Camping</a></p>

<h1>Make Paint Chip Bookmarks</h1><br />
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We think this project is perfect for adults and kids alike, as kiddos can really put their imaginations to work and decorate their bookmarks with stickers, doodles and just about anything else they’d like. And the best part? If your bookmark gets lost, you can replace it for less than a dollar. We like the sound of that.<br />
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<br/><b>Get the instructions: </b><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/01/a-budget-friendly-craft-for-bookworms-paint-chip-bookmarks/">Paint Chip Bookmarks</a>

<p><h1>Start a Personalized Memory Bunting</h1></p><br />
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<p>Preserve the memories of your child's old clothes by sewing fabric from each piece into a triangle and attaching them to a length of ribbon. </p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/upcycle-your-childs-favourite-dresses-into-a-beautiful-diy-pennant-banner/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Use Up Winter Leftovers with Glove Toys</h1><br/><br />
<p>These cute glove pals are sure to become your child’s favourite toy in no time, and making them will help promote fine motor skills!</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/craft-kid-glove-toys/">DIY Glove Toys</a></p>

<h1>Make Suncatchers</h1><br/><br />
<p>Help wee ones work on scissor skills and colour recognition with these easy (and beautiful!) butterfly suncatchers. They’ll look great in any window!</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-your-own-butterfly-suncatchers/">How To Make a Butterfly Suncatcher</a></p>

<h1>Create A Warm Glow</h1><br/><br />
<p>Want to change up the mood of your home by adding a subtle touch of decor without breaking the bank? Well, we have a craft idea for you!</p><br />
<p> Get the directions here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/diy-decor-idea-pretty-patterned-votives/" target="_blank">Pretty Patterned Votives </a> </p><br/>

<h1>Make Backpack Tags</h1><br/> <br />
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<p>Help your littles make their own tags for their backpacks. They can design a tag by drawing the first letter of their name or a creating a design which means something special to them, such as a motorcycle, football, or flower.</p><br/><br />
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<p>How to here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/diy-backpack-tags/" target="_blank">DIY Backpack Tags</a> </p>

<h1>Make Magnetic Words</h1><br/><br />
<p>Work on language and vocabulary skills with this fun project that lets kiddos make their own magnetic word kits.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-your-own-magnetic-word-kit/">How To Make a Magnetic Word Kit</a></p><br />

<h1>Make a Pan Pipe</h1><br/><br />
<p>Give your mini Mozart an additional outlet to shine with this homemade pan pipe that will help to develop rhythm and pitch.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/skill-rhythm-and-pitch/">How To Make a Homemade Pan Pipe</a></p>

<h1>Recycle a T-Shirt Into an Apron</h1> <br />
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<p>This fun, inexpensive, and no-sew activity is eco-friendly; it gives new life to something meant for the trash bin!</p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/recycle-tshirt-into-apron/">Apron from a T-Shirt</a></p>

<h1>Make Your Own Rock Candy</h1><br/><br />
<p>Science has never been sweeter! Kids will have a blast making their own rock candy with this awesome science experiment. (Hopefully they'll share!)</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/sweet-science-make-rock-candy/">How To Make Rock Candy</a></p><br />

<h1>Make Juggling Balls</h1><br/><br />
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<p>These squishy juggle balls are incredibly simple to make. Not only is this a fun thing to do one-on-one, but it also makes an ideal activity (and take-home) for a children’s birthday party.</p><br/><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/01/be-the-ringmaster-of-your-own-indoor-circus-diy-juggling-balls/">DIY Juggling Balls</a></p>

<p><h1>Cool Off with Summer Cocktails</h1></p><br />
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<p>There’s nothing more Canadian than complaining about the cold, then once summer hits, complaining about the heat! Our favourite way to cool off? With a cold, fruity drink!</p><br />
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<p>Get the recipes: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/20-delicious-summer-cocktails/">27 Delicious Summer Cocktails</a></p>

<h1>Make a Guitar</h1><br />
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<p>You've probably made a guitar out of a tissue box already, but this cardboard-box version from <a href="https://mymakedo.com" target="_blank">Makedo</a> really takes it to the next level. Don't forget to include the bread-clip pick! Genius!</p><br />
<p>Get the details: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/6-genius-things-to-make-for-your-kids-with-a-cardboard-box/slide/sizedguitar/">Cardboard guitar</a></p>

<h1>Make Necktie Headbands</h1><br />
<p>We suspect that in the back of Dad’s closet, you’ll find at least one or two old neckties that haven’t made an appearance for a while. Give them a new purpose with this great DIY accessory idea from the crafty Lauryn Clemmer of Love Notes by Lauryn: the necktie headband.</p><br />
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<p>More on this craft: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/08/quick-and-easy-accessory-necktie-headband/">Necktie Headbands</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Lauryn Clemmer, Love Notes by Lauryn</i></p>

<p><h1>End the Day with Something Sweet</h1></p><br />
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<p>Trifle is a good dessert for a crowd and tends to get better as it sits. A few store-bought items make this an easy recipe for kids to whip together (with a little help from Mom or Dad).</p><br />
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<p>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/strawberry-rhubarb-trifle/">Strawberry Rhubarb Trifle</a></p>

<h1>Make Shirts with Sole</h1><br/><br />
<p>Rather than hitting the mall to update your tween’s already-packed wardrobe with the latest styles, why not try this great “upcycling” idea and have kids put a fresh spin on an old shirt? We found this fashionable DIY idea over on Disney’s Family Fun website. The coolest part? Kids get to customize their tees using a pair of running shoes.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find out more: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/05/fashionable-craft-idea-shirts-with-sole/">Shirts with Sole</a></p><br/><br />
<p><i>Photography by FamilyFun</i></p>

<h1>Make No-Sew Wrist Warmers</h1><br/><br />
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<p>If you've got a budding fashionista at home, they'll love these easy no-sew wrist warmers. All you need is an old sweater and a little creativity. It's a fun and easy way for kids to show off their sense of style!</p><br/><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/02/no-sew-wrist-warmers-for-young-enterprising-fashionistas/">No-Sew Wrist Warmers</a></p>

<h1>Make a Rainbow in a Jar</h1><br/><br />
<p>What do you get when you mix coloured chalk, salt and a simple mason jar? An afternoon art project that will keep your kids entertained for hours.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/rainbow-in-a-jar-a-colourful-afternoon-activity/">Rainbow in a Jar Craft</a></p>

<p><h1>Make a Retro Ring Toss Game</h1></p><br />
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<p>Grab a few items from the hardware store to create a super-fun game that will turn your backyard into a mini carnival.</p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-your-own-retro-ring-toss-game/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Make a Colourful Elephant Chair</h1><br/><br />
<p>Tracing and cutting shapes has never been so much fun! The animal lovers in your home will be delighted with this custom seat craft.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/create-your-own-elephant-chair-with-these-downloadable-shapes/">Make Your Own Elephant Chair</a></p>

<h1>Make a Finger-Woven T-Shirt Necklace</h1><br />
<p>We came across this brilliant (and easy!) craft idea over on The Green Eyed Monster, a site that focuses on DIY fashion and sustainable living, founded by sisters Ash and Kimmy. One of their latest DIY fashion projects will teach you how to craft fun, fashionable necklaces made from cut up old shirts.</p><br />
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<p>More on this craft: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/06/cool-diy-fashion-project-finger-woven-t-shirt-necklaces/">Finger-Woven T-Shirt Necklaces</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by The Green Eyed Monster</i></p>

<h1>Do Batik with the Kids</h1><br/><br />
<p>This cool craft project will teach kids about colour mixing and different art techniques. It works well on everything from pillowcases to custom t-shirts!</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/cool-decor-craft-idea-batik-for-kids/">Cool Decor Craft: Batik for Kids</a></p><br />

<p><h1>Make a Simple Silhouette Craft</h1></p><br />
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<p>Follow the instructions to make and frame these fun cameo crafts for each member of your family.</p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/mobile-crafts-cameo-appearances/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Make some Glow-in-the-Dark Paint</h1><br />
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<p>Add some fun to your painting activities with this easy-to-make glowing paint from <a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/">Learn Play Imagine</a>. This craft is perfect for your artistic little one on a rainy night.</p><br />
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<p>To find out how to make your own glowing paint, check out the tutorial at <a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2012/05/homemade-glow-in-dark-paint.html">Learn Play Imagine</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Allison Sonnier, <a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/">Learn Play Imagine.</a></i></p>

<h1>Do Some String Art</h1><br />
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<p>A name, a favourite letter, even a very short saying or small, simple drawing can be done in string.</p><br />
<p>Get the details: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/8-adorable-and-easy-name-art-ideas-for-your-childs-room/slide/cf_name_art_dream_500/">String Art</a></p>

<h1>Make a Pretty Penne Necklace</h1><br />
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<p>This is a good craft project for an older kid who can handle a glue gun without hassle.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/pasta-crafts-go-upscale-with-a-pretty-penne-necklace/">Pretty Penne Necklace</a></p>

<h1>Do Some Monogram Art</h1><br />
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<p>Gather up all those loose buttons (or go to a craft or dollar store and pick up a bag of mis-matched buttons) and a glue gun and you and your little can make a beautiful, personalized piece for their room.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/9-easy-crafts-to-prepare-you-for-babys-arrival/slide/cf_monogram_art_600/">Monogram Art</a></p>

<h1>Make Mini Lanterns</h1><br />
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<p>With a few more months of grey and dreary winter weather on the horizon, it’s time to get creative with colour indoors.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/add-some-cheerful-colour-to-your-childs-room-with-these-diy-mini-lanterns/">Mini Lanterns</a></p>

<h1>Make an Airplane Out of a Box</h1><br />
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<p>After all the presents have been unboxed, you're sure to have some cardboard hanging around. Let the kidlets go crazy and build something out of it like this awesome airplane.</p><br />
<p>Get the details: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/6-genius-things-to-make-for-your-kids-with-a-cardboard-box/slide/sizedplane/">Cardboard Airplane</a></p>

<h1>Decorate an Umbrella</h1><br />
<p>Bring a little bit of sunshine and polka dots into the greyness of winter with this awesomely decorated umbrellie</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/rainy-day-craft-polka-dotted-umbrella/">Polka Dot Umbrella</a>

<h1>Do Some Headband Makeovers</h1><br />
<p>We stumbled upon this great DIY headband idea over at MrsPriss.com, where super crafty mom Morgan Gable shares her tutorial for taking an old busted headband and giving it new life by turning into a gorgeous band with a bow.</p><br />
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<p>More on this craft: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/09/back-to-school-craft-idea-diy-headband-makeover/">Headband Makeover</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Morgan Gable of MrsPriss.com</i></p>

<h1>Do an Origami Family Tree Project</h1><br />
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<p>Origami may be frustrating at first, but it hones logic and quickly grows easier with practice.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/origami-family-tree-project/">Origami Family Tree</a></p>

<p><h1>Make a Bird House</h1></p><br />
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<p>Create a cute little home for nuthatches, bluebirds, chickadees, tufted titmouses or downy woodpeckers with a gourd and a few easy steps. It's a great gift for anyone with a yard or balcony.</p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/build-your-own-bird-house/"target="_blank">DIY Bird House</a></p>

<h1>Let Your Kids Take You on a Pokemon Hunt</h1><br />
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<p><em>Can't tell a Pikachu from a Pokéball? Don’t worry! Here are 5 tips from a Poke-Expert that will have you up and Pokemon-ing in no time.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/games/pokemon-101-5-tips-poke-champ/" target="_blank">35 Tips from a Poké-Champ</a>.</p>

<h1>Make a Message in a Bottle</h1><br />
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<p>Just think: if you found a 100-year old message in a bottle, what would you like to know about the family that left it behind?</p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/a-fun-activity-for-the-whole-family-message-in-a-bottle/">Message in a Bottle</a></p>

<h1>Make Monogrammed Mugs</h1><br/><br />
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<p>We found this great idea for DIY monogram mugs over at <a href="http://www.designmom.com/" target="_blank">Design Mom</a>, the website of designer and mom <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/designmom" target="_blank">Gabrielle Blair</a>. You can use mugs you already have at home, or check your local thrift store for some second-hand gems.</p><br/><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/09/customize-your-coffee-cup-with-these-diy-monogram-mugs/">DIY Monogram Mugs</a></p>

<h1> Make Angel Wings from Doilies</h1><br />
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<p>Make a set of wings that will make even the biggest troublemaker look angelic. </p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-angel-wings-from-doilies/">Doily Angel Wings</a></p>

<h1>Make a Purse from an Old Sweater</h1><br />
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<p>Felt an old (or already shrunken) wool sweater. Turn inside out, cut out the neck and remove the sleeves so that two handles are left. Sew the bottom closed. For detailed instructions <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/sew-it-over-your-shoulder/">click here</a>.

<h1>Make a Magazine Table (Made from Magazines!)</h1><br />
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<p>Do you have piles of magazines hanging around the house and want to keep them but don't have storage? Here's the perfect solution.</p><br />
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<p>For detailed instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/diy-magazine-table/">click here</a>.

<h1>Make a Marker Caddy</h1><br/><br />
<p>This marker caddy is perfect for organizing all those extra school supplies you have around the house—and only takes 10 minutes to make!<br />
</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/easy-organizing-idea-a-diy-marker-caddy/">DIY Marker Caddy</a></p>

<p><h1>Make and Play a Popsicle Stick Memory Game</h1></p><br />
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<p>This cool craft and game couldn’t be easier to put together – providing hours of fun for your wee ones as they put their memories to the test.</p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/weekend-fun-a-diy-paper-popsicle-memory-game/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Teach Your Kids How to Skp a Stone</h1><br />
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<p><em>Whether you're exploring a local pond or spending the day at the lake, teaching kids to skip a stone is a great way to keep them entertained.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/summer-fun-how-to-skip-a-stone/" target="_blank">How to Skp a Stone</a>.</p>

<h1>Create a Rainbow in a Jar</h1><br />
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<p>This easy DIY craft is a creative way to add a punch of colour to any room in your home, and is a great gift idea too!</p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/07/rainbow-in-a-jar-a-colourful-afternoon-activity/" target=_blank">Rainbow in a Jar</a></p>

<h1>Make Plankies</h1><br><br />
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<p>Ted Reader was tailgating in Buffalo at a Buffalo Bills game when the inspiration for this recipe hit him. Truly evil decadence! This is proof that anything can be planked!</p><br />
<p><b>Get the recipe: </b><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/plankies/">Plankies</a></p>

<p><h1>Repurpose Old Toys</h1></p><br />
<br><p>We have the perfect way to transform your kid's outgrown toys into fun, unique bookends that are sure to spruce up any shelf.</p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/how-to-make-unique-diy-bookends/"target="_blank">Superhero Book Ends</a></p>

<h1>DIY a Marble Race Track</h1><br />
<p>We found this brilliant afternoon activity over on HomeSpun Threads, where it was shared by Amy from the blog Serving Pink Lemonade. With just a few inexpensive materials, you’ll have a super-fun “race track” that your kids will flip for.</p><br />
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<p>More on this activity: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/08/quick-and-easy-activity-make-your-own-marble-race-track/">Make Your Own Marble Race Track</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Amy, Serving Pink Lemonade</i></p>

<h1>Gaze at the Stars</h1><br/><br />
<p>A visit to a local observatory can be an eye-opening experience. Open houses generally take place once or twice a month and include an opportunity to look through the observatory’s telescope. Check out <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/march-break-fun-observatories-you-can-visit-for-free/">our list of observatories that offer public tours</a>.</p>

<h1>'Do Some Disney Princess Hair</h1><br />
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<p>Don't forget our littles' fave movie (and sometimes ours too...), Frozen. Those two princesses had some <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/frozen-hairstyles/" target="_blank">seriously awesome hairstyles</a>. Here are tutorials for three of them that we think will look just as fab on us as they do on our mini-me. Why can't we "let it go" once in a while...? </p>

<h1>Make Tin Can Lanterns </h1><br />
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<p><em>The kids love making these lanterns and although it may seem like a long process, with a bit of planning it actually goes very quickly.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/diy-tin-can-lanterns/" target="_blank">Tin Can Lanterns</a>.</p>

<h1>Make A Colourful Ojo de Dios</h1><br />
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<p><em>These can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make them, but the basic design makes them an ideal craft for small hands.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/cinco-de-mayo-craft-idea-ojo-de-dios/" target="_blank">Ojo de Dios</a>.</p>

<h1>Host a Backyard Movie Night</h1><br />
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<p><em>Forget fighting for a parking spot and shelling out big bucks at the concession stand. Pull up a lawn chair, sit back and enjoy a film for the whole family in the comfort of your own backyard.</em></p><br />

<h1>Take the Littles on a Picnic</h1><br />
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<p><em>From the park and the beach, to the car and the backyard, we've got some easy (and delicious!) recipes that are perfect for a picnic.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/food/10-ways-to-pack-picnics-with-punch/" target="_blank">35 Perfect Picnic Recipes</a>.</p>

<h1>Let Your Kids Teach You How to Use Snapchat</h1><br />
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<p><em>Are you confused by Snapchat? We can help...we were too, once upon a time.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/what-you-need-to-know-about-snapchat/" target="_blank">Everything a Parent Needs To Know About Snapchat</a>.</p>

<h1>Get the Kids to Help Out with Chores</h1><br />
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<p><em>Get the kids involved by assigning easy chores that are both fun and helpful.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/10-easy-chores-for-kids/" target="_blank">10 Easy Chores for Kids</a>.</p>

<h1>Visit a Greenhouse or Conservatory</h1><br />
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<p><em>Take in the fragrance of floral displays, check out the exotic plants and take advantage of perfect weather at a greenhouse or conservatory.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get a list: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/travel/free-march-break-fun-greenhouses-and-conservatories/" target="_blank">Of Conservatories and Greenhouses across the country</a>.</p>

<h1>Bake with Your Kids</h1><br />
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<p><em>Spend some time together in the kitchen and spell out “Summer is Awesome” with these easy-to-make colourful cookies.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/alphabet-cookies/" target="_blank">Alphabet Cookie Recipe</a>.</p>

<h1>Teach Your Child to Whistle with a Blade of Grass </h1><br />
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<p><em>Position the blade at the top of your two thumbs and between the bases of each thumb. Thumbs should be bent slightly. Make sure it is tight. Blow gently between your thumbs. You should hear a high-pitched sound. With a little practice and patience, your child will be whistling with the wind.</em></p><br />
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<h1>Make Twig Stars</h1><br />
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<p><em>Twig stars are perfect...and it will keep them busy for a while making a while bunch of them.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-twig-stars/" target="_blank">Make Twig Stars</a>.</p>

<h1>Hit the Beach</h1><br />
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Summer is the perfect time for you and your family to head out to the beach and enjoy the time together. </em></p><br />
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<p>Get the list of: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/travel/canada-underrated-beaches/" target="_blank">Canada’s Most Underrated Beaches</a>.</p>

<h1>Let the Kids Paint Outside</h1><br />
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<p><em>Painting outside is a surefire way to get kids to be creative...while not making a huge mess of your living or dining room. It's a win-win!</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/let-kids-paint-outside/" target="_blank">Let the Kids Paint Outside</a>.</p>

<h1>Head to Great Wolf Lodge</h1><br />
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<p><em><br />
If you’ve never heard of Great Wolf Lodge, you’re either new to this parenting thing or have been living without electronics since the ‘70s.</em></p><br />
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<p>Get the details: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/travel/tips-great-wolf-lodge-niagara-falls/" target="_blank">Tips for Great Wolf Lodge</a>.</p>

<h1>Give Your Curtains new Life</h1><br />
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<p>With just a hint of colour, this technique is great for the colour-shy or to introduce a quirky edge to a monotone room</p><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/dip-dye-curtains/" target="_blank">Dip-Dye Curtains</a>.</p>

<h1>Go for a Nature Walk</h1><br />
<p>There's no better time to explore the great outdoors than during the summer. From plants and flowers to dragonflies, chipmunks and birds, there's no shortage of interesting things to see and touch.</p><br />
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<p>Check out these tips <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/articles/10-tips-inspiring-little-nature-adventurers/">how to plan a great family nature walk</a>.</p><br />
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